TBI/PTSD Spiritual Support Group  - For Military Returning from Iraq and Afghanistan as well as Wives/Familyand Civilians who suffer from TBI/PTSD or secondary PTSD.

Our group will get off to a running start 4 April.  There are snacks provided.  If you would like to attend please call Mark or Mary-Ann at (            307-834-0111      ) or just show up at Henry Bible Church 5:30 – 6:30 each Wed. Night.  Our moderators have been certified in “Care and Counsel for Combat Trauma” issued by Military Ministries.

(This support group is not a substitute for appropriate medical or psychological care for those experiencing significant emotional pain or whose ability to function at home, school, or work is impaired.  Chronic or extreme stress may cause a wide assortment of physical and psychological problems.  Some may require evaluation and treatment by medical or mental health professionals.  When in doubt, seek advice from a professional.) (For Military the Cheyenne VA is a good starting point.)

Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury

Most people are unaware of the scope of TBI or its overwhelming nature. TBI is a common injury and may be missed initially when the medical team is focused on saving the individual’s life. Before medical knowledge and technology advanced to control breathing with respirators and decrease intracranial pressure, which is the pressure in the fluid surrounding the brain, the death rate from traumatic brain injuries was very high. Although the medical technology has advanced significantly, the effects of TBI are significant.TBI is classified into two categories: mild and severe.

A brain injury can be classified as mild if loss of consciousness and/or confusion and disorientation is shorter than 30 minutes. While MRI and CAT scans are often normal, the individual has cognitive problems such as headache, difficulty thinking, memory problems, attention deficits, mood swings and frustration. These injuries are commonly overlooked.  Even though this type of TBI is called “mild”, the effect on the family and the injured person can be devastating.  Follow this link for more information on Mild TBI.

Severe brain injury is associated with loss of consciousness for more than 30 minutes and memory loss after the injury or penetrating skull injury longer than 24 hours. The deficits range from impairment of higher level cognitive functions to comatose states. Survivors may have limited function of arms or legs, abnormal speech or language, loss of thinking ability or emotional problems. The range of injuries and degree of recovery is very variable and varies on an individual basis. Follow this link for more information on Severe TBI.

The effects of TBI can be profound. Individuals with severe injuries can be left in long-term unresponsive states. For many people with severe TBI, long-term rehabilitation is often necessary to maximize function and independence.  Even with mild TBI, the consequences to a person’s life can be dramatic. Change in brain function can have a dramatic impact on family, job, social and community interaction.

 

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